CASTINE, Maine — Freshman Drew Hamilton scored 19 points to lead Maine Maritime Academy, but the Mariners fell to the University of Southern Maine in a nonconference men's basketball matchup Tuesday afternoon at Smith Gymnasium 71-50.

Maine Maritime slipped to 4-8 overall with the loss, while Southern Maine improved to 6-5 overall.

The Huskies took control early and carried a 35-27 lead into halftime before pulling away in the second half. Maine Maritime was unable to close the gap despite a strong individual effort from Hamilton, who finished 7-of-13 from the floor and knocked down three 3-pointers.

Freshman Aaron Pensel added 14 points and nine rebounds for the Mariners, narrowly missing a double-double, while sophomore Wade Hill chipped in nine points. Senior Josiah Dancy contributed four points and five rebounds in the loss.

Maine Maritime shot 40.9 percent from the field but struggled to find consistency from long range, finishing 5-of-18 from three-point territory.

The Mariners will return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 1, when they host Bowdoin College at 2 p.m. at Margaret Chase Smith Gymnasium.